Maban, 11 December 2014 – In a visit to the conflict-affected region of
South Sudan, Bishop Daniel Adwok underlined the importance of education
and hospitality for refugees living in the border district Maban.

In
his first visit in more than four years, the auxiliary bishop of the
Catholic Archdiocese of Khartoum-Sudan spent an intensive few days
meeting public officials, parish representatives and refugees. Both
refugees and host community members welcomed him wholeheartedly.

"Today
you are here in this land, in exile, but the people of Maban [Upper
Nile] can remember that not too long ago they were the ones who had to
flee to the north or to Ethiopia seeking for a safer place. Thus true
hospitality is very important," said Bishop Adwok to a group of refugees
and parish representatives.

Prior to its separation from Sudan,
people from Maban were being hosted across the border. These roles have
been reversed, as Maban now hosts more than 130,000 refugees from Blue
Nile State in Sudan. Bishop Adwok, who spent time visiting the Jesuit
Refugee Service (JRS) projects, underlined the importance of meeting
both refugee and host community needs and fostering a welcoming
environment.

"It is very important for JRS to be a bridge between
the refugees and the host community. I also ask you to be strong
advocates of the needs of the refugees. I have been with them; I have
heard their plea, and it cannot remain unattended," the bishop added.

While
visiting the JRS teacher training and English adult education
programmes being offered to the host community, the bishop encouraged
the students to take this opportunity to learn more so they can serve
better their people.

The words of the bishop, who spent the
afternoon in Doro refugee camp sharing the joys and sorrows of the
Sudanese refugees, reflected those of Adolfo Nicolás SJ, Father General
of the Society of Jesus. Speaking at an event organised in Rome to
commemorate the thirty-fourth anniversary of the foundation of JRS, Fr Nicolás emphasized the centrality of the hospitality toward refugees.

"Our
understanding recognises the claim that all of us have to be welcomed,
not because we are members of a specific family, race or faith
community, but simply because we are human beings who deserve welcome
and respect."

This call to welcome the refugees and to be active
advocates of their needs echoes the vital role the Catholic Church
played during the long years of war in South Sudan, as it has been
captured by John Ashworth in his recent book, The Voice of the Voiceless.
In times of war and destruction the voice of the Church can become a
source of consolation to those who suffer and bring some international
attention to conflicts otherwise forgotten.

Despite having been evacuated
twice in 2014 due to the insecurity, the JRS team on the ground hopes
to build peace and stability, deepening its commitment to the refugees
and host community members in Maban in the journey towards a more
dignified future. Bishop Adwok's recent visit has been a joyful reminder
that the Church leaders remain with their people through thick and
thin, even asking them to go an extra mile and become true beacons of
hospitality.